In the summer months, from mid May to the middle of September, the Whale Shark is a welcome visitor to the seas surrounding Cancun Mexico and offers a perfect opportunity to be at one with nature as you swim and snorkel beside these fantastic underwater giants.

The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish in the ocean measuring up to 40 feet in length with the largest ones weighing in at 75,000 lbs. Despite their name and size the Whale Shark is not a Whale at all, it is a filter feeding shark which feasts upon algae and plankton. In fact, it is the traveling plankton it consumes that brings this magnificent underwater giant to the crystal clear blue waters of the Yucatan Peninsula .

In the Cancun area of Mexico, Whale Sharks gather near to the coastline of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox and afford a great day trip diversion for those holidaying in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

The traditional boats that take you to visit the Whale Sharks are small craft with room enough for about 10 people plus crew, and the quantity of boats are strictly controlled via licensing . It’s usually an early start (7am) returning early afternoon around 2pm . During your tour soft drinks and a light meal is provided, and many offer an open bar on the return journey.

The whale sharks are more often than not easily found and once their location is pinpointed guests enter the water two at a time to swim and snorkel alongside them. This means that the Whale Sharks are not frightened and also ensures maximum time for some fantastic unobstructed underwater photography. Whale Sharks swim at a speed of just 3mph so it is not a problem to keep up with them. Each turn lasts around 10-15 minutes per couple, and during the tour there will be 3 or 4 turns for a combined swim time of up to an hour per person. All participants must wear lifejackets and no feeding or touching of the whale sharks is permitted. Non eco-friendly sunscreen is also banned .

Most whale shark tour operators , including those below, also provide a second stop to snorkel at a nearby reef to observe the colorful and abundant underwater coral and fish that this area of the Caribbean is known for.

If you’d like to know more and to make a booking then please visit our Cancun Whale Shark Tours web site .